Paul McCartney & Wings: Rockshow

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Watch Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 11pm on WMHT TV

PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS: ROCKSHOW, filmed during their 1976 North American tour, features a dynamic set list including such hits as "Maybe I’m Amazed," and "Band On the Run" and the Beatles classics “Lady Madonna,” “Blackbird,” and “Yesterday.” This concert recording, digitally restored from the original 35mm print for flawless picture and sound, emerged from the Wings Over the World Tour that also spawned the triple-live album Wings Over America.

With performances culled from multiple concert dates on the tour, the program collectively delivers a concert for the ages. Paul McCartney, lead vocals and bass, shines on center stage, while Linda McCartney (keyboard), Jimmy McCulloch (lead guitar), Denny Laine (guitar) and Joe English (drums) round out the band. An extravagant light show adds to the bright and energetic performance.

The first segment includes such hits as “Venus and Mars/Rockshow/Jet,” the smooth sounds of “Let Me Roll It,” and the intimate classic “Maybe I’m Amazed.” The beginning features quick edits aligned with the musical cues, providing a unique film-like aspect to the traditional recorded concert.

In the second section of the concert, fans are given a nostalgic reminder of Paul McCartney’s beginnings, as he plays classic Beatles hits such as “Blackbird,” “Yesterday,” and “The Long and Winding Road.” This chapter is slower and more intimate than the first, as it features just Paul and his guitar on the edge of stage in the giant arena. After a moving performance of “Yesterday,” fans give him a bouquet of flowers, which he holds up triumphantly in one hand with his guitar in the other.

The third segment of PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS: ROCKSHOW, featuring favorites including “Band on the Run,” “Silly Love Songs,” and “Hi Hi Hi,” brings the concert to a close on a wonderfully joyous note. From throwing Frisbees to blowing kisses, each member of the group shows a passion for their music and a love for the audience.

During the show, Paul shouts to the audience, “Do you fancy a bit of rock 'n' roll?” From their uproarious response, it appears that they do, and Paul McCartney & Wings don’t disappoint.

The band's fifth number one album in a row, the Wings Over America album sales were remarkable and it remains one of very few live albums to reach number one in America. Now, the release of PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS: ROCKSHOW on public television offers fans the chance to relive the magic of the tour and the songs captured on the classic triple-live album.